Angelfish are a favourite among aquarium enthusiasts, known for their stunning beauty and graceful swimming. They can make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium, offering a variety of colours and patterns that can captivate any onlooker. However, selecting the right type of angelfish for your tank requires some knowledge about their individual needs and characteristics. Some types may require larger tanks, prefer specific vegetation, or have varying aggression levels. This guide provides insights into 13 popular types of angelfish, helping you make an informed decision for your aquarium.
1. Albino Angelfish
Albino angelfish are renowned for their ethereal appearance, sporting a striking white to silver-body that often shimmers in the light. The hints of yellow or orange around their face add a touch of warmth to their otherwise cool-toned palette. What makes these angelfish particularly unique are their pink eyes, which are not just a result of their lack of pigmentation but also make them highly sensitive to bright lights. Due to this sensitivity, it’s crucial to provide them with a tank that has subdued lighting and plenty of shaded areas created by rocks and driftwood. While they appreciate having hiding spots, it’s important to ensure that these do not clutter the tank, as Albino angelfish thrive in spacious environments that allow for free swimming. They can grow to about 6 inches in length, which is why a tank larger than 30 gallons is recommended. Their calm demeanour and easy-to-care-for nature make them an ideal choice for beginners who are new to the world of angelfish.
Key Features:
- Colour: White to silver with yellow/orange accents
- Size: Up to 6 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Behaviour: Generally peaceful
2. Black Lace Angelfish
The Black Lace angelfish is a true spectacle in the aquarium world, revered for its rare and elegant appearance. This type of angelfish sports an intricate lace-like pattern that sets it apart from its peers, giving it an aura of sophistication and mystery. However, owning a Black Lace angelfish comes with its own set of challenges. These fish are more sensitive to their surroundings, particularly when it comes to noise levels. They thrive in quiet, serene environments and can become stressed in settings with loud music or constant disturbances, making them less suitable for homes in bustling urban areas or those located near busy streets. In terms of temperature preferences, Black Lace angelfish favour warmer waters, and maintaining a stable environment is crucial for their well-being. Investing in a reliable heater and an accurate thermostat will help ensure that these fish are comfortable and healthy. Unlike more active breeds, Black Lace angelfish tend to be more relaxed, often choosing to hover gracefully rather than engage in long swims, which makes them a tranquil addition to any aquarium.
Key Features:
- Colour: Dark with lace-like patterns
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Behaviour: Relaxed, sensitive to noise
3. Black Veil Angelfish
The Black Veil angelfish is a mesmerizing breed that captivates onlookers with its deep, dark black colouration, which is even more pronounced than that of the Black Lace angelfish. As these fish age, their fins elongate, creating a veil-like effect that enhances their elegance and makes them appear even more graceful as they glide through the water. One of the standout features of the Black Veil angelfish is its adaptability. Unlike some other angelfish species that require specific water conditions, Black Veil angelfish are highly tolerant of fluctuations in temperature and pH levels. This resilience allows them to thrive in both hard and soft water environments, making them one of the easiest angelfish varieties to maintain for aquarium hobbyists. Their hardy nature, combined with their stunning appearance, makes them a popular choice among both novice and experienced fish keepers. Moreover, their availability in pet stores ensures that enthusiasts can easily find and enjoy this beautiful fish in their home aquariums.
Key Features:
- Colour: Deep black
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Behaviour: Hardy and adaptable
4. Blushing Angelfish
The Blushing Angelfish is a visual delight, known for its dynamic color transformation as it matures. Young Blushing angelfish starts with a primarily white body accented by striking black fins, presenting a classic yet captivating appearance. However, as these fish grow, they undergo a fascinating metamorphosis, developing vibrant blue stripes that add a splash of colour and complexity to their look. This evolution in their appearance is one of the many reasons why Blushing angelfish are cherished by aquarium enthusiasts. These angelfish have specific habitat preferences that must be met to ensure their happiness and health. They thrive in tanks that are heavily planted, as the dense vegetation not only provides them with the necessary cover and hiding spots but also creates an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Incorporating rock formations and driftwood into the tank setup will further enhance their living space, giving them plenty of areas to explore and feel secure. Blushing angelfish are known for their peaceful demeanour, especially when housed in adequately sized tanks where they have enough room to claim their territory and coexist with other fish.
Key Features:
- Colour: White with black fins and blue stripes
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Heavily planted tanks
- Behaviour: Peaceful with adequate space
5. Clown Angelfish
The Clown angelfish is a rare and exotic addition to any aquarium, prized for its intricate and mesmerizing patterns. These fish boast a complex mosaic of spots across their bodies, with each individual displaying a unique combination of sizes and shapes, making them truly one-of-a-kind. Finding a Clown angelfish can be a challenging endeavor, as their rarity means they are not as readily available as other angelfish varieties. However, the effort is well worth it for those who appreciate their distinctive beauty. In terms of temperament, Clown angelfish are among the more peaceful breeds, which makes them ideal companions in community tanks. They have a gentle disposition and tend to coexist harmoniously with other fish species, provided there is enough space and resources to prevent competition. These angelfish thrive in aquariums that are lush with vegetation, preferring tall plants that reach towards the water’s surface over caves and rock formations. This preference for greenery not only offers them the security they need but also complements their vivid patterns, creating a stunning visual display within the tank.
Key Features:
- Colour: Varied patterns with spots
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Prefer tanks with tall plants
- Behaviour: Peaceful and easy to maintain
6. Ghost Angelfish
Ghost Angelfish are known for their ethereal and mysterious appearance, lacking the typical stripes and patterns seen in other angelfish breeds. This stripeless gene gives them a translucent quality, allowing light to pass through their bodies in a way that creates a ghostly effect, hence their name. Ghost Angelfish can come in various shades, ranging from light to dark, and their appearance can change as they age. Interestingly, some Ghost Angelfish may develop faint stripes as they mature, adding an unexpected element of surprise to their otherwise monochromatic look. These fish are more energetic and aggressive than many of their angelfish counterparts, often displaying lively behaviour in the tank. This characteristic makes them an exciting and dynamic presence in any aquarium setup. However, due to their aggressive nature, it’s important to be mindful of the tank mates chosen to share their space, as they can sometimes be territorial, especially in smaller tanks or when resources are limited.
Key Features:
- Colour: Translucent with possible faint stripes
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Adequate space to reduce aggression
- Behaviour: Energetic and sometimes aggressive
7. Gold Angelfish
The Gold Angelfish is a stunning and smaller-sized breed, naturally found in the river systems of Northern South America, particularly around the Amazon Basin. This breed is characterized by its radiant reddish-orange body, which may also feature shades of brown. The striking contrast of the orange lining on their fins and lips, along with their bright orange eyes, makes them a captivating addition to any aquarium. They may also display vertical yellow lines, adding to their vibrant appearance. Despite their beauty, Gold Angelfish are relatively rare in aquariums due to their specific habitat requirements. These fish require a tank that holds more than 55 gallons to accommodate their active swimming habits and territorial nature. Additionally, they are known to be less friendly with other fish, often displaying aggressive behaviour if they feel their space is being invaded. Therefore, they are best suited for dedicated angelfish tanks or with similarly sized and temperamentally compatible fish to avoid conflicts.
Key Features:
- Colour: Reddish-orange with brown and yellow lines
- Size: Up to 4 inches
- Tank Size: Over 55 gallons
- Behaviour: Less friendly, prefers larger spaces
8. Leopard Angelfish
Leopard Angelfish are celebrated for their distinctive spotted pattern, which makes them a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. The unique design of their spots, coupled with their overall elegance, makes them a standout species in any tank. One of the fascinating aspects of the Leopard Angelfish is the presence of a blue gene, which prevents the full-color spectrum from appearing until the fish are nearly fully grown. This genetic trait results in a gradual unveiling of their true beauty, offering fish keepers a delightful transformation to witness over time. Leopard Angelfish are known for their longevity, often living for more than 10 years if provided with proper care and a stable environment. They can grow up to 6 inches in length, making it essential to house them in adequately sized tanks that allow them to swim freely and exhibit their natural behaviours. Their relatively easy maintenance and striking appearance make them a favourite among both novice and experienced aquarists.
Key Features:
- Colour: Spotted pattern with delayed full colouration
- Size: Up to 6 inches
- Tank Size: Adequate space for swimming
- Behaviour: Long-lived and easy to maintain
9. Koi Angelfish
The Koi Angelfish is instantly recognizable due to its bold and varied colourations, which closely resemble the patterns seen in traditional koi fish. These angelfish display a striking combination of stark black and white, often accented with splashes of orange and brown, creating an eye-catching and vibrant presence in any aquarium. Each Koi Angelfish boasts a unique pattern, ensuring that no two individuals look exactly alike, which adds to their appeal for fish enthusiasts seeking variety and individuality. Koi Angelfish prefer tanks of at least 30 gallons, with water conditions that maintain a slightly low pH to mimic their natural habitat. Their adaptability to different water conditions and striking appearance make them a popular choice among aquarists looking to add a touch of colour and personality to their tanks. These angelfish are generally peaceful and can coexist with other fish species, provided they have enough space and hiding spots to establish their territory.
Key Features:
- Colour: Black, white, orange, and brown patterns
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Behaviour: Peaceful with proper conditions
10. Marble Angelfish
Marble Angelfish are known for their striking and intricate colouration, featuring a mesmerizing blend of black, white, and yellow hues that form a unique marble pattern across their bodies. The delicate and elongated fins of the Marble Angelfish enhance their elegance, often extending beyond the body and adding to their graceful swimming movements. These fish require a tank that holds at least 30 gallons, as they need ample space to exhibit their natural behaviours and avoid stress. It’s essential to provide them with an uncluttered environment that allows for free swimming while still offering hiding spots through the use of rocks and plants. Marble Angelfish can reach up to 6 inches in length and are relatively easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists who appreciate their distinctive appearance and gentle nature.
Key Features:
- Colour: Black, white, and yellow marble pattern
- Size: Up to 6 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Behaviour: Easy to maintain
11. Platinum Angelfish
The Platinum Angelfish is a rare and captivating breed, admired for its shimmering, metallic appearance. The scales of these angelfish have a unique reflective quality that causes them to glimmer as light strikes their bodies, creating a dazzling display in the aquarium. Due to their rarity, finding a Platinum Angelfish can be a challenging task, and they are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts looking to add a touch of elegance and luxury to their tanks. These fish require a well-planted tank with a capacity of at least 30 gallons, providing plenty of hiding spots to help them feel secure and comfortable. Platinum Angelfish are known for their semi-aggressive nature, so it’s crucial to carefully select tank mates that can coexist peacefully with them. Maintaining stable water conditions and providing ample space will help reduce stress and minimize aggressive tendencies.
Key Features:
- Colour: Metallic and reflective scales
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons
- Behaviour: Semi-aggressive
12. Smokey Angelfish
Smokey Angelfish are a unique breed, available in two varieties: regular and chocolate. Both types share similar characteristics, with the chocolate variety exhibiting a deeper, richer brown hue. The distinctive smokey pigmentation typically starts around the middle of the dorsal fin and can extend to cover the entire back of the fish. However, the extent of the coverage varies among individuals, creating a diverse range of appearances within this breed. The original colour of the angelfish may still be visible beneath the smokey pigment, adding depth and dimension to their look. Interestingly, the smokey colouration is often asymmetrical, adding to their unique charm. Smokey Angelfish are generally easy to care for and adaptable to various water conditions, making them a versatile choice for aquarium enthusiasts seeking a visually appealing and hardy breed.
Key Features:
- Colour: Smokey pigmentation, varies between regular and chocolate
- Size: Varies
- Tank Size: Adequate space for swimming
- Behaviour: Easy to care for
13. Zebra Angelfish
Zebra Angelfish are one of the larger breeds of angelfish, known for their impressive size and distinctive striping patterns that resemble those of a zebra. These fish can grow to over 10 inches long, making them one of the more substantial angelfish species in terms of size. Male and female Zebra Angelfish are easy to distinguish, with females displaying a light blue body accented by a black band across the eyes and additional black stripes at the top and bottom of the tail. Males, on the other hand, have a pale blue colour without distinctive striping. The Zebra Angelfish’s social structure is unique, with one male leading a harem of females. When the dominant male dies, the highest-ranking female transforms to become male, taking over his role. This fascinating gender fluidity ensures the continuity of their social group. Zebra Angelfish prefer spacious tanks with plenty of room for swimming and social interaction, and they thrive in environments that closely mimic their natural habitat.
Key Features:
- Colour: Light blue with black stripes (females), pale blue (males)
- Size: Over 10 inches
- Tank Size: Large, spacious tanks
- Behaviour: Unique social structure
Choosing the right angelfish for your aquarium involves understanding their individual needs and characteristics. Each of these 13 types offers a unique blend of beauty and personality, ensuring that there is an angelfish to suit every aquarist’s preferences and tank conditions. By considering the specific requirements and behaviors of these fish, you can create a thriving and harmonious environment for your angelfish and other tank inhabitants.